harpenden NOW MAY 24

Welcome to May

With two bank holiday weekends to look forward to, be sure to have a good look through the magazine to see all the amazing local events taking place this month. As festival season begins with the Roman Open Air Theatre Festival, the Whisky Festival, the Kimpton May Festival and the start of D-Day celebrations, there’s so much going on for all the family.

To make sure you don’t miss out the magazines are always available to read online, and if you run your own business we’d love to include you it’s so easy, just book your space online today.

Jane & Wendy

@theNOWmagazines

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You can NOW book advertising online

Deadline 8th May for June editions

wendy@theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588313 www.theNOWmagazines.com

NOW for the Kids

Monkey Forest

Opened at the end of March, this new attaraction takes you into the woodland home of swinging Langurs, chattering Macaques, miniature Water Buffalo and snuffling Babirusa!

Home to some of East Asia's rarest animals and over 100 trees, walk around a forest filled with wildlife. Hunting and habitat loss has caused each of these animals to be under real threat in the wild, but at Monkey Forest you can get a special insight into their natural behaviours, and learn about the important work ZSL do to safeguard a future for these species out in the wild.

Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable, LU6 2LF www.whipsnadezoo.org

Lamb Bottle Feeding daily until 6th May

Wonderful for all ages, meet, hold and feed the lambs. Please book, from £9.95, age 2+ Aldenham Country Park, Elstree WD6 3BA www.aldenhamcountrypark.co.uk

There was an Old Lady who Swallowed a Fly 4th May 2.30pm

See this nursery rhyme brought to life just in time to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Pam Adams' best selling book! With live action, animation and puppetry, this show will delight children and nostalgic adults in equal measure. Sandpit Theatre, St Albans, AL4 9NX www.sandpittheatre.ticketsolve.com

Buckinghamshire Railway Centre

Day Out With Thomas

5th May 10.30am - 5pm

Take a ride on Thomas and Percy, meet Rusty and Dusty the Station Sweepers and Trevor the Traction Engine, and enjoy interactive re-enactments, have your photo taken with Sir Topham Hatt, ride the miniature railway and lots more.

Dragon Adventure 27th May

Calling all knights and princesses, put on your best outfits and meet a huge, smoke-breathing dragon, enjoy steam train rides, the miniature and model railways, the railway museum and more.

Quainton, Aylesbury HP22 4BY www.bucksrailcentre.org

Funfair 23rd - 27th May Harpenden Common

Dino Week 25th May - 2nd June

There are 5 roaming Dinosaurs to meet as you explore the farm. Hear the ferocious roar of the TRexes as they stomp around and the Velociraptors are sure to be lurking nearby too.

Are you brave enough for a close encounter, and a selfie? Don’t worry, the Dinos are much friendlier than they look.

Mead Open Farm, Billington, Beds LU7 9JH

www.meadopenfarm.co.uk

Kids Rule!

25th May - 2nd June 10am - 5pm

A day of hands-on activities and fresh-air family fun. £18, child £11 Wrest Park, Silso, MK45 4HR

www.english-heritage.org.uk

Forest School 28th May 10am

Activities include den building, bug hunts, learning about nature and bush craft and more. Please wear suitable clothing for exploring the woods. Children must be accompanied.

Ages 4 - 11, £8, £5 for siblings

The Pavilion, Highfield Park, St Albans AL4 0RA

www.highfieldparktrust.co.uk

Day on the Wild Side

28th - 31st May 9am - 3pm.

Enjoy an adventurous day of hands-on activities for children and young adults who are passionate about animals and their conservation.

Ages 8 -17, £42.50

Woburn Safari Park, Beds MK43 0TU

www.woburnsafari.co.uk

Tring Natural History Museum

Colourful Caterpillars

30th & 31st May 10.30am, 11.15am & 2.30pm

Stripey, hairy, brightly coloured or camouflaged, discover the tiny world of caterpillars and create a patterned caterpillar to take home. Ages 5+ £2

Bioblitz 30th May 10am - 3pm

Help the experts record what animals and plants live in the Museum grounds through family-friendly activities including pond dipping and looking for invertebrates. All ages, free, drop-in

Tring Natural History Museum HP23 6AP

www.nhm.ac.uk

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NOW at the Cathedral

Brass & Organ Spectacular

6th May 1pm

A recital of majestic, uplifting and reflective music with brass ensemble, Prime Brass. Free Music Trust Lunchtime Concert 7th May 1pm

Students from The Purcell School perform a selection of classical and romantic chamber music. Free

Exhibition: Daylight Club: The Story of Us!

8th - 23rd May

Discover the story of this unique social club for adults with disabilities in the St Albans district. Members have been working with artists and writers to create artworks telling the story of their friendships and activities from 1996 to present day in photos, drawings and words. Free

Organ Concert: Johannes Skoog

22nd May 12.30pm free

The Music of ABBA by Candlelight

24th & 25th May 7.30pm

A sing-along concert with the UK's leading Abba Tribute Act, Abba Reunion, with over 20 Abba hits that will leave you dancing in the aisles. So, grab your 'Honey, Honey', be a 'Super Trouper' and get tickets with your 'Money, Money, Money' before they go! £45 - £10

Keep Your Brain Active

25th May 11.30am - 4pm

An intergenerational workshop with local mathematician Gareth Rowlands, packed with brain exercises to help prevent memory loss. Free

Herts Musical Memories with the Clover Choir 26th May 1.30pm

This charity provides singing groups for people with dementia and their carers. The sessions include music-based therapy, cake and lots of laughter. All welcome, free

Heather Small Live 31st May

A very special show with British soul singer Heather Small and her Live Band. Doors 6.30pm / Funk & Soul music 7.30pm / Heather on stage from 9.15pm

St Albans Cathedral AL1 1BY www.stalbanscathedral.org

Out & About

Verulamium Museum

Exhibition: Women doing everything, everywhere, all at once… until 6th June Free with admission

Sceptical Cinema: Film ‘300’ 3rd May 7pm

Watch the film after a light-hearted look at its historical inaccuracies. “300”, features King Leonidas of Sparta who leads 300 men into battle against the Persian God-King Xerxes and his army of more than 300,000. £10, child £7.50

Gallery Talk: Death & Burial 11th May 11.30am free

Talk: Rituals & Rubbish in Roman Rivers

17th May 7pm

Exploring why so many Roman objects were deposited at bridges and river crossings. £10

Gallery Talk: Iron Age 18th May 11.30am free

Discover Archaeology: Become an Archaeologist

29th May 10am - 1pm

Learn how archaeologists record what they find in the ground, it’s a mixture of science and magic. Free Workshop: Make a Roman Game

30th May 10.30am

Make a simple game from clay to play at home.

Tots Tales: Elmer 31st May 10.30am & 1.15pm

Elmer is different. The grey elephants love him, but he soon starts to wonder what it would be like to be just the same as them. £6.50, please book

St Michael's Street, St Albans AL3 4SW www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

St Albans Museum + Gallery

Exhibition: Becoming Us until 30th June

Exploring the role of the African Caribbean community in St Albans and celebrating its multifaceted contributions to the city over the past 80 years. Free

Hands on History Café 15th May 2pm - 3.30pm

Join this friendly group for a cuppa, and get your hands on some museum objects. Drop in Museum Minis: The Three Little Pigs 10th May 1.15pm

Including a story, craft activity and a treasure hunt. Age 2 - 4, £6.50, please book

Exhibition: The Wonderful World of the Ladybird Book Artists 10th May - 8th Sept

Hear about the artists who illustrated these books for over 30 years, see rare books and original artwork.

Talk: ‘I Didn't Know That!’ 15th May 7pm

We all love a good quote, and our everyday speech is full of idioms, this talk will tell you where they come from. £10, online £6

Shop Small St Albans 19th May 11am

Spring Market with 30 fantastic creative businesses selling beautiful gifts. Free

Make a Model Ladybird 28th May 1.45pm & 3pm

Make a ladybird from colourful polymer clay. £7.50

Make Your Own Toy 29th May 1.45pm & 3pm

Explore toys from the past hundred years then have a go at making one of your own. £6.50, please book

St Albans Museum + Gallery AL1 3DH www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

Helping Herts 6 Marathon Walking Challenge until 2nd May

This challenge will help to improve the lives of countless children and young people in Hertfordshire. To take part or to donate visit

www 6marathonchallenge2024.heroes.help

Open Wednesdays

1st May - 25th Sept 10.30am - 4pm

Stroll around this wonderful Capability Brown designed Walled Garden, see the new look Peach House, the replanted human sun dial and more. £7.50, child: £2.50, under 5’s free

Luton Hoo Walled Garden LU1 4LF

www.lutonhooestate.co.uk

Harpenden Writers 3rd May 10am -12 noon

Annual Poetry and Prose competition results revealed. New members and guests welcome.

Friends' Meeting House, Southdown Road AL5 1PD

www.harpendenwriters.com

Heartwood Forest

Bat Walk 4th May 8pm - 10.30pm

A variety of bat species call Heartwood Forest home, enjoy this family-friendly guided walk, using bat detectors to pick up their calls. There’ll also be a chance to search for other nocturnal wildlife.

Age 8+, free but please book

Dawn Chorus Guided Walk

5th & 12th May 6am - 8.30am

Free, but please book

Heartwood Forest, Sandridge AL4 9DQ

www.woodlandtrust.org.uk

St Albans City Walks

4th May 2.30pm - The Pubs of St Albans

5th, 6th, 12th, 19th, 26th & 27th May 11.15am

- Historic St Albans

5th May 2.30pm Tudor St Albans Revealed

11th May 12.30pm A Roman City Revealed

12th May 2.30pm Coaching Inns

18th May 2.30pm St Michaels & Fishpool Street

19th May 2.30pm Discover Harpenden

19th May 2.30pm The Wars of the Roses

23rd May 5pm City Centre Highlights

25th May 2.30pm Art and Architecture

26th May 2.30pm Victorian St Albans

£6, please book online

www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk

Fitting Blinds and Curtains

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NOW for some Entertainment

The Alban Arena

On The Town 30th April - 4th May 7.30pm & 4th May 2.30pm £15 - £23

Travel back to New York City in 1944 with St Albans Musical Theatre Company, as three curious sailors go in search of love and romance, and find themselves in a few awkward situations!

An Evening With Anton Du Beke And Friends

5th May 5pm £46, £50

With his live band, a guest singer and his dancers, expect a fab-u-lous evening of song, dance and laughter.

Richard Herring: Can I Have My Ball Back?

9th May 7.30pm £22

In 2021 Richard Herring found out that he had testicular cancer, for a comedian who had done a whole show on male genitalia this was a cruel trick of fate, so in his return to stand up after six years, Richard talks bollocks!

Simon & Garfunkel Story 10th May 7.30pm £27

With huge projection photos, original film footage and a full live band performing hits including Mrs Robinson, Cecilia, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Homeward Bound and many more.

Al Murray: Guv Island

11th May 3.30pm & 7.30pm £32

The Pub Landlord is back to make sense of the questions you probably already had the answers to.

Simon Reeve - To The Ends of the Earth

14th May 7.30pm £32

With stories, surprises, thrills, deeper thoughts and hearty laughs, Simon nudges audiences to get out of their comfort zone, take a few gentle risks in life and embrace the great outdoors and the wider world.

Most Haunted 15th May 7.30pm £31.50

Yvette Fielding the first lady of the paranormal and Karl Beattie and the Most Haunted team, will take you on the darkest, most terrifying journey of your life.

Julian Clary - A Fist Full Of Clary

16th May 7.30pm £31

You’ve heard of The Man With No Name? Well, here’s The Man With No Shame!

Folk Rock Pioneers Steeleye Span

17th May 7.30pm £28.50, £31.50

With a selection of songs from across the years and some firm fan favourites.

Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny

18th May 7pm & 9.30pm £37

If you like fast-paced, edgy one-liners then get ready to be happy.

Bootleg Rock Show 22nd May 7.30pm £26.50

Transporting the audience back to the golden age of rock, offering a thrilling experience for fans of this timeless genre, with its raw and unfiltered approach from a line-up of supremely talented musicians.

Don’t Stop Believin’ 23rd May 7.30pm £30

A high-energy theatre production of some of the biggest end of night anthems, with the music of Bryan Adams, Blondie, Cher, Rainbow, Bon Jovi, Kate Bush, Belinda Carlisle and more.

Disco for Grown Ups 24th May 8pm £19.50, £25

Dance the night away to your favourite 70s, 80s and 90s hits from Donna Summer, Earth Wind and Fire, Chic, Sister Sledge, Odyssey, Chaka Khan, Abba, Madonna, Erasure, The Bee Gees and more.

Sing The Musicals 30th May 7.30pm £28.50

The first national tour of the greatest musicals of all time, with tracks from Mamma Mia, The Greatest Showman, Grease, Dirty Dancing, Mary Poppins and many more.

Stranger Sings 31st May 7.30pm £40

This award-winning sci-fi spoof is a wild, irreverent twist on the hit Netflix series in all its hair-raising, blockbuster glory.

Civic Centre, St Albans AL1 3LD www.alban-arena.co.uk

Live Event Cinema

Carmen - Royal Opera House

1st May 6.45pm & 5th May 2pm

This sizzling new production evokes all the passion and heat of Bizet's score, which features Carmen’s sultry Habanera and the rousing Toreador song.

42nd Street - The Musical

- Theatre Royal Drury Lane 19th May 2pm

Starring Bonnie Langford as Dorothy Brock, with songs such as We’re In The Money and Lullaby Of Broadway, this is pure musical magic.

The Winters Tale - Royal Opera House 22nd May 7.15pm & 26th May 2pm

The story follows the destruction of a marriage through consuming jealousy, the abandonment of a child, and a seemingly hopeless love.

Message in a Bottle - Royal Opera House 30th May 7.20pm & 2nd June 2pm

The peaceful village of Bebko is alive with joyous celebrations. Suddenly, under attack, everything changes forever. Three siblings, Leto, Mati and Tana, must embark on perilous journeys in order to survive.

Campus West, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6BX www.campuswest.co.uk

The Culture Trust

Richard Herring: Can I Have My Ball Back?

2nd May 8pm £15, ages 14+

Hat Factory Arts Centre, Bute Street, Luton LU1 2EY

Luton Carnival 27th May 12 noon - 6pm Free

With vibrant parades, immersive storytelling, multicultural performances and interactive shows showcasing diverse cultures, including Eastern European, African, and local school performances.

Comedy Of Errors 31st May 7pm

Join the HandleBards for a bicycle-powered production of Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors like you’ve never seen it before. £18, child £11

Stockwood Discovery Centre, Luton LU1 4LX www.culturetrust.com

Abbey Theatre

Acoustic Vibes 3rd & 4th May 8pm

Award-winning guitarist and singer Nathan Smith takes you on a journey through some of the finest unplugged songs of all time, with the work of Bob Dylan, Cat Stevens, Eric Clapton, John Mayer and more in an evening of acoustic bliss. £14, concs £12

Ladies Who Lunch 18th & 19th May 7.30pm

An all-female celebration of Stephen Sondheim’s greatest leading ladies, and a few of his leading men too! £20

Westminster Lodge, St Albans AL1 2D www.abbeytheatre.org.uk

Kimpton May Festival 3rd - 6th May

This year’s theme is The Magic of the Musicals, with an art show, wine tasting, bowling, a procession, craft fair, music, maypole dancing, dog show and lots more. Check the website to see what’s happening on each day! www.kimptonmayfestival.co.uk

Barn Theatre

The Massive Tragedy of Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert, John Nicholson & Javier Marzan 10th - 18th May 8pm & 18th May 2.30pm

Cabin Pressure by John Finnemore

28th May - 1st June 8pm & 1st June 2.30pm

Barn Theatre, Barn Close, WGC AL8 6ST www.barntheatre.co.uk

St Albans Symphony Orchestra

11th May 7.30pm

Grażyna Bacewicz’s Overture, William Walton’s Cello Concerto and Ralph Vaughan Williams’s Sixth Symphony. £18, £13, child £2

St Saviour’s Church, St Albans AL1 4DF

www.saso.org.uk

Fauré with Fizz! 11th May 7.30pm

Choral music for a summer's evening, including Fauré's sublime Requiem and Cantique de Jean Racine. Includes a glass of bubbly £19, child £12 judie.caunce@gmail.com or 07775 652578

St Nicholas Church, Church Green, Harpenden

www.musicmakerschoir.wordpress.com

Your Biggest Fan 11th May 7.30pm

A wild week in the life of Jessie (superfan of global pop icon, Summer Coop) when by a twist of fate the singer goes to Jessie's village and it seems her dream of connecting with Summer has finally come true. Jessie shares a photo of the meeting online, not expecting it to later be used as evidence when Summer is drawn into a criminal investigation. £10 Trestle Arts Base, St Albans AL4 0JQ

www.trestle.org.uk

St Albans Organ Theatre

Organ Concert 11th May 3pm

With Mark Laflin

Mechanical Instrument Concert

12th May 3pm

320 Camp Rd, St Albans AL1 5PE

www.stalbansorgantheatre.org.uk

St Albans Whisky Festival

18th May

Explore a world of fantastic whiskies and find new favourites.

Lower Red Lion, Fishpool Street, St Albans

www.summertonclub.com/festival

Amadeus Chamber Orchestra

18th May 7.30pm

Prokofiev: Symphony no 1 / Haydn: Cello Concerto in C / Humperdinck: Humoreske / Schubert: Symphony No 3 With conductor Lewis Gaston and cello soloist

Hannah Lewis. £18, in advance £15, child £1

St Saviour’s Church, St Albans AL1 4DF

www.amadeuschamberorchestra.org.uk

BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend

24th - 26th May Stockwood Park, Luton LU1 4LX

www.bbc.co.uk

Roman Theatre Open Air Festival

31st May - 8th Sept

The Festival kicks off with...The Merry Wives of Windsor 31st May - 28th July on selected dates

OVO’s riotous adaptation of what is often seen as the world’s first situation comedy, with a summer music festival, a bunch of 80s rockers and an ageing lothario about to get his comeuppance. £12.50 - £29.50

The Roman Theatre of Verulamium

Bluehouse Hill, St Albans AL3 6AE

www.ovo.org.uk

A Mother's Love

In a quiet Cornish town, secrets run as deep as the ocean. Meryan’s confession to her husband’s murder shocks the community and shatters her family. But all is not as it seems. After serving her sentence, Meryan, fuelled by a need for justice and the crushing weight of her own guilt, embarks on a perilous journey to uncover the truth.

But, as she delves into her husband’s past, she stumbles upon a sinister web of crime. When her life is threatened, her only hope lies in the hands of her determined daughter, who refuses to let her mother’s sacrifice be in vain. Can they overcome the darkest currents or will they be dragged under?

A Mother’s Love is a gripping thriller that explores the depths of love, loyalty, betrayal and the power of a mother's unyielding determination.

Author Hazel Eggleton, now retired, lives in St Albans and devotes her spare time to writing novels.

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NOW at the EMC Caring & Sharing

John Lydon - I Could Be Wrong, I Could Be Right

2nd May 7.30pm £35, £52, £92

John will talk about how he sees life, along with his unique and extraordinary career, and take audience questions during a pyrotechnic, one-off tour.

Bingo That’s Bonkers

3rd May 7.30pm £23

We’re taking bingo out of the hall, adding comedy, music and even bigger balls. With a smashing atmosphere, crazy games and great prizes, the Bingo revolution starts here. Expect everything you can sing and dance to from the music of ABBA to the Spice Girls and Beyonce.

Six Chick Flicks

8th May 7.30pm £24

Fresh from a sold-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe, this smash hit comedy parodies your favourite chick flicks in one hysterical, fast-paced show. From the deck of the Titanic to the glittery pink halls of Harvard Law, watch as New York City comedians Kerry Ipema and KK Apple transform the stage with songs, dance breaks and pop culture hilarity. Age 13+

How Many Colours in the Rainbow?

19th May 10.30am £8

Colour theory underpins the visual world, this very colourful lecture will explore some of those theories and the wonderful colour charts they produce giving a visual feast. Lecture by Susan Kay-Williams, with The Arts Society Harpenden Area.

An Evening with Henry Cole - Happy Days 24th May 7.30pm £32

This show is hosted by Henry's good friend and renowned prankster Steve “Stavros” Parrish. Steve will guide Henry through his incredible and varied life covering stories about his battle with Heroin addiction. He is now three decades clean but remains heavily involved in trying to help other addicts and share his experience in battling addiction. He is currently on TV presenting The Motorbike Show, Find It, Fix It, Flog It and The Great British Treasure Hunt.

The Eric Morecambe Centre Rothamsted Park, Harpenden AL5 2FR

www.the-emc.co.uk

Highfield Helpers

7th, 14th, 21st & 28th May 9am - 3pm

It’s a great way to help with the upkeep of the park and environment, meet new people and support The Highfield Trust charity. Highfield Park Visitor Centre, St Albans AL4 0RA

www.highfieldparktrust.co.uk

Charity Plant Stall 11th May 9am - 12pm

Selling perennials, annuals, dahlias, house plants, vegetable plants and more. Proceeds to The Children's Society. The Concourse, Harpenden (opposite Boots)

Race For Life Aylesbury 5K 15th May

You don’t have to be sporty to take part, just sign up and have fun raising money however you like. £15.99, child £11 Waddesdon, Aylesbury, Bucks HP18 0JH

www.waddesdon.org.uk

Bubble Rush 19th May

The course is family friendly, you can walk, run, dance, jog or toddle through the foam, and it's suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs too! Plus there's no time limit so you can go at your own pace. £18, £13 Gadebridge Park, Hemel Hempstead HP1 1DN www.stfrancis.org.uk

Wheathampstead 10K

19th May 2K: 10am 10K: 11am

Raising money for Beech Hyde Primary School, the 10K is a challenging timed off-road course, the 2K circular run is ideal for all ages and there will also be an inter Primary School 2K challenge. The morning ends with a BBQ, café and children’s entertainment. 10K in advance £23, 2K in advance £4 Starting and finishing on Marford Playing Fields, Wheathampstead AL4 8AY www.wheathampstead10k.co.uk

Tour de Vale 9th June

Charity bike ride organised by WheelPower to raise money to transform the lives of disabled people. With 3 countryside routes, starting and finishing at Stoke Mandeville Stadium, birthplace of the Paralympic movement. www.tourdevale.com

H’arts In Mind

This inclusive Mental Health Arts Charity is run by people with lived experiences, and supports those with mental health or physical health challenges who have an interest in Art. With over 33 artists, art for sale, demonstrations and workshops. Get in touch if you’d like to get involved, or go and see the art for sale. Email: hartsinmind@gmail.com

Community Arts Hub, Galleria Shopping Outlet, Hatfield www.hartsinmind.co.uk

More Out & About

Hatfield House

Living Crafts 9th - 12th May 10am - 5pm

A festival of art, craft and design supporting outstanding contemporary designer-makers and artisans from across the UK, with live demonstrations, workshops and activities. From £6 Slam Dunk Festival (South)

25th May 9am - 10.30pm £119.90

The UK’s biggest independent Rock Festival. www.hatfield-house.co.uk

Brambleton Model Railway Club

11th May 2pm - 5.30pm

On this Spring Open Day see the railway run as it was originally intended, along with a variety of rolling stock and live steam narrow gauge. £4, child £2 Ambrose Lane, Harpenden AL5 4BX www.brambleton.org.uk

Harpenden Library

Workshop: My Story presents Print & Prosecco

11th May 2pm

Learn how to make prints using recycled materials and enjoy a glass of prosecco. £15, all abilities, age 18+, please book

Local History Talk on Hertfordshire’s Literary Connections 17th May 7pm

Hertfordshire has both bred and attracted a number of literary figures, this talk will explore the county’s connection with Beatrix Potter, Graham Greene, Rebecca West and many others. £5 Harpenden Library, High Street AL5 2RU www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/libraries-andarchives

Wheathampstead Recycling Wander

12th May 10am - 4pm

Residents are having a spring clear-out, and hosting recycling stations outside their homes. Follow the route around the village and maybe find a bargain. Finishing at Marford Memorial Hall with a fair-trade café and a clothes swap event. www.wheathampstead-pc.gov.uk

National Open Mills Day

12th May 12 noon

Join demonstrators and bread makers to celebrate local crafts and heritage skills. See the watermill in action, and learn about the history of milling in the exhibition '1000 Years of Milling’. Free Mill Green Museum & Working Mill AL9 5PD www.millgreenmuseum.co.uk

St Albans South Signal Box Open Day

12th May 10am - 5pm & 29th May 2pm - 5pm

Visit the largest preserved Midland Railway signal box in the UK. See signalling demonstrations, operate working signals and a point and more. Free St Albans South Signal Box, St Albans AL1 3AJ

Film Discussion: Breaking Boundaries

14th May 7.30pm Please book

The Plough and Harrow, Harpenden AL5 1PR

www.sustainablestalbans.org

Farm to Fork Spring Dining Experience

18th May 6pm

An evening of fine dining while learning about the history and future of sustainable food. Set in the beautiful Grade I listed Manor House. Rothamsted Research £95

www.rothamstedenterprises.com

Herts Book Festival 18th May 10am - 3pm

Celebrating books, stories and storytelling in a series of free family-friendly activities. The Castle, Hertford SG14 1HR

www.hertford.gov.uk

Model Show 19th May

Clubs displays, vendors and books. De Havilland Aircraft Museum, Shenley AL2 1BU

www.dehavillandmuseum.co.uk

Harpenden Markets

Sustainability Market 19th May 10am - 3pm

Farmers’ Market 26th May 10am - 2pm

www.harpenden.gov.uk/events-and-markets

Dragonfly Walk 25th May 11am & 1.30pm

Join dragonfly expert Steve Brooks for a 2 mile walk along the Dragonfly Trail. Learn about their lifecycles and approaches to hunting and resting while identifying some local species. Free but please book Panshanger Park, B1000, Hertford SG14 2NA

www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk

Herts County Show 25th & 26th May

See front cover Dunstable Road, Redbourn AL3 7PT

www.hertsshow.com

Sun Bear, Binturong & Otter Weekend

25th & 26th May

Join zookeepers to celebrate Bear Weekend while raising vital funds and awareness for the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. With admission Hertfordshire Zoo, Broxbourne EN10 7QA

www.hertfordshirezoo.com

Royal Gunpowder Mills Open Day 26th May please book

Explore this historic gunpowder factory and discover the secrets of its past. With activities for all ages, including a rocket-making workshop, tractor-trailer tours, railway rides, interactive exhibitions and more. Beaulieu Drive, Waltham Abbey EN9 1JY

www.royalgunpowdermills.com

Out of Town

Knebworth House

Hertfordshire Garden Show 4th - 6th May

Celebrate the Shows’ 30th year and enjoy a visit to the House, Gardens and Park. £19, child £18.50

Ghost Tour & Bat Walk 16th May

A chance to tour the House at night and hear tales of the incidents that can’t be explained and visit areas where resident presences have been detected. £30

Stevenage SG1 2AX www.knebworthhouse.com

Chiltern Open Air Museum

Elizabethan May Day 5th & 6th May

Step back in time and celebrate May Day in true Elizabethan style with dancing, swordplay, gunpowder and more! £15, child £10, under 4’s free

The Roman Gladiators 26th & 27th May Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of ancient Rome as you cheer for your favourite gladiator and witness their incredible skills and bravery. £15, child £10

Chalfont St Peter HP8 4AB www.coam.org.uk

Bletchley Park

May Bank Holiday 5th & 6th May

Enjoy a family day out with fun-filled activities, ‘Top Secret’ mission packs, multimedia guides, fascinating interactive exhibitions and more.

Ages 7-14

D-Day 80 - Interception, Intelligence, Invasion 16th May - 16th June

An immersive cinematic experience exploring Bletchley’s secret D-Day role. Discover the vital importance of the Ultra intelligence produced there, and the impact it had on one of the most important military operations of the twentieth century.

Family Activities 27th - 31st May

Find out about the people of Bletchley Park and the astonishing work they did, on the Amazing People, Amazing Machines family tour.

Behind D-Day 1st June

Join academics, researchers and authors for a day of talks and discussions. £80 includes lunch

Try Your hand at Codebreaking

1st, 15th & 16th June

Track the development of D-Day by breaking enemy codes.

Included in admission unless otherwise stated

Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes MK3 6EB

www.bletchleypark.org.uk

Waddesdon

Tour: A Rothschild Treasury 10th May 11.15am

Hear stories of the precious objects on display and learn about the tradition of treasure rooms which inspired the Rothschild family. £40.50

House Highlights Tour 17th May 10am - 4pm

Explore the grounds and formal gardens with an experienced guide and watch the musical elephant automaton be wound. £28.50

Escape from the Aviary

25th - 27th May 10am -5pm

Get up close and personal with birds of prey, see the Bewonderment Machine - an artist-built cyclepowered carousel, make masks, hats, puppet characters, try some bird spotting and more.

Free with admission

Celestial Sound Cloud

29th May - 2nd June 11am - 4pm

An interactive digital sound and light sculpture inspired by cosmic clouds and nebulas - the clouds of dust and gases in which stars are formed, stunning by day or night. Free with admission

Waddesdon, Aylesbury, Bucks HP18 0JH www.waddesdon.org.uk

Ashridge House

Ashridge Babies

During WWII in 1939, Ashridge House was transformed into a hospital, caring for 20,000 patients, and witnessing 2,700 births. Over 80 years later, those babies and their descendants are invited to register, share their stories and be part of the celebrations this summer. Contact 01442 841134 or events@ashridge.hult.edu

Afternoon Tea 12th May £42.50, under 12s £27.50

Open Day & Plant Fair 19th May

The gardens will be open as part of the National Garden Scheme, raising money for nursing and health charities. Once the site of a monastery, home to Royals, the Grade II gardens are full of colourful formal bedding, an elegant rosary, and breath-taking views. £7.50, child free

Murder Weekend 24th - 26th May

A weekend of suspense, as you endeavour to crack the case, while enjoying two nights’ accommodation, dinner, breakfast, lunch and cream tea. £399

Ashridge House, Berkhamsted HP4 1NS www.ashridgehouse.org.uk

More Out of Town

Shuttleworth Collection

Best of British Air Show 12th May

With thrilling air displays from the Shuttleworth Collection of vintage aircraft and a host of visitors from across the UK, as well as ground attractions and discovery zones. £38, child free

ModelAir - Wings | Wheels | Water

18th & 19th May 9am

With activities including, Radio Control Flying of all types including Helicopters, Radio Assist and Control Line, RC trial experience flights, Drone Racing, Rockets and RC Simulator.

Shuttleworth D-Day Weekend

25th & 26th May 9am

Activities include, access to D-Day Squadron fleet, fly-in for all aircraft types pre 1950s. Spitfire Sit In Experience (sessions from 11am £45), Military and Collection vehicle displays Car Clubs

Vintage Bus Rides, access to the Shuttleworth Collection, Swiss Garden, Playground and more. One day £20 / weekend £36, child free

The Greensand Country 50K Ultra Marathon 26th May Organised by Runaway Racing www.runawayracing.com

Biggleswade SG18 9DT www.shuttleworth.org

RAF London

Second World War Week 25th May - 2nd June

Travel back in time and discover all about the RAF and life during the 1940s.

D-Day, The RAF Story: The Tour

26th, 28th & 30th May & 1st, 5th & 6th June

11am & 2pm

For the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Landing, learn about the role the RAF played, from bombing to reconnaissance and logistics. See the story come to life among aircraft such as the Avro Lancaster, the Handley Page Halifax and the de Havilland Mosquito. £10

D-Day 80 Family Weekend

1st & 2nd June 10am - 5pm

With music from The Barn-Ettes, the English Jazz Orchestra and many more. Make and drop your own parachute and build and fly your own paper glider. Learn how to swing, twirl and groove with Swing Dance UK and Big Apple! Free, drop-in London NW9 5LL www.rafmuseum.org.uk

Ken Hodson

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Upgrades and Advice for Home and Business

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● Advice given on upgrades - many older computers can be upgraded at a fraction of the cost of a new machine

● Upgrades of hardware and software 07974 156743 / 01582

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